Susan here, introducing Laird of Twilight – the first book in my newest series, The Whisky Lairds – set in the Scottish Highlands.
With gorgeous covers designed by the amazing Kim Killion and stories featuring the romantic, beautiful Highlands and even more romantic Highland heroes and heroines, this is a series I've been working on for a while--with lots more to do even as the first book comes out! Laird of Twilight, available now, will be followed by Laird of Secrets early next year, and Laird of Rogues later in 2020. This new series opens with two revised backlist titles and will continue with a totally new book next year, with more to come after that.
The first of the Whisky Lairds books, Laird of Twilight is a revised and updated version of a previous title, one of my Sarah Gabriel books written for Avon. Published originally as To Wed A Highland Bride, it has been expanded, improved (I'm a better writer now, I think--I hope!), updated with more research, and given a great new title and gorgeous new cover. I jumped at the chance to dive back into a story that I loved, one that (to be honest), I wrote very quickly, and so I was happy to return to it and refine the writing.
I'm a stickler for historical accuracy, even when I weave in a little paranormal, just a little sparkle here and there to make a story unique. This was the first book where I indulged in some genuinely magical elements, and what a treat to be able to return to that story to play with those elements again. I love this story more than ever now. The same is true for Laird of Secrets, revised, refined, more sparkly and more fun. If you read those early Sarah Gabriels, you will be pleasantly surprised with these fresh versions. And if you didn't--here's a chance to try the new and improved versions!
Set in Scotland and the Highlands in the 1820s and centering, in part, on King George’s visit to Edinburgh and Scotland in 1822, The Whisky Lairds series is filled with adventure, romance, hints of magic … as well as fairy legends and Highland lore.
A common thread running through the stories brings elements of the making (and sometimes the smuggling) of Highland whisky, the best of its kind in those days (some would insist today as well). Illicit or legally made, whisky was important in traditional Highland life, and at one point was crucial to the economic survival of Highlanders. The legends and history surrounding Scottish whisky are fascinating, especially at this time in history, when distillers, smugglers, and excise men—including men like Robert Burns—roamed the Highlands hills and byways. (A spelling note—“whisky” indicates what is specifically made in Scotland, while “whiskey” is used for Irish and American make, and often for whiskies produced outside of Scotland.)
The research for these books was so enjoyable—not only did I delve deeply into life in Scotland in the early 19th century, I also indulged in a bit o’ whisky fact and lore, learning lots about the process, history, and lore of Highland uisge beatha—pronounced roughly ooshky vah—hence the name “whisky.” Other research areas were lovely fun too--Elspeth MacArthur, the heroine of Laird of Twilight, and her grandfather are both weavers of fine tartan, a very popular commodity in Scotland, particularly around the time of King George’s visit, when Sir Walter Scott and his “Celtification of Scotland” made tartan and the romantic Highlands all the rage just in time for the king’s visit.
But James MacCarran, Lord Struan, Elspeth’s hero, wants nothing to do with any of that nonsense—a war hero who has retreated into a safe scholarly life, he is a professor of geology (“natural philosophy,” as the sciences were better known then) who finds that rocks are much more reliable in his life than the demands of the heart . . . until he inherits Struan House in the Highlands, and until his grandmother’s eccentric will dictates that the new Lord Struan marry a very particular sort of bride . . .
A reluctant groom and an enchanting bride...
JJames MacCarran, newly inherited Viscount Struan and formerly of the Black Watch Highlanders, prefers his scholarly bachelor life. But his grandmother's will issues an ultimatum: marry or forfeit his rightful inheritance. Knowing that could impact his siblings’ future as well as his own, Struan must find a Highland bride—one with fairy blood. The will’s demand seems impossible, until James arrives at his remote Highland estate to meet Elspeth MacArthur. Beautiful, enchanting—luminous, really—her mysterious fey quality may be just what he requires, if he could only convince her. The weaver’s granddaughter could solve his dilemma—but she wants nothing to do with the new viscount . . .
Determined to stay in her beloved Highlands, Elspeth MacArthur hides an astonishing family secret. When circumstances throw her together with handsome, reclusive Lord Struan, resulting in sudden compromise, the Lowland viscount insists on a marriage that independent Elspeth staunchly refuses. But when an ominous threat emerges, forcing Elspeth and Struan to work together to protect a valuable treasure, they begin to fall in love. Yet when Elspeth finally reveals her deepest secret, Struan must accept it, or lose what is now more precious than any inheritance. Love could be their only haven—but a local legend says love will bring the greatest risk either of them could ever face . . . .
Read an excerpt from Laird of Twilight here . . .
I hope you enjoy the first book in the Whisky Lairds series! Do you love a wee dram, a bit o' plaid, a trek into the Highlands? I will take a sip of whisky now and then, though I am rather mad about plaid, especially in the form of a soft and comfy shirt, a scarf, a cozy throw .... do you agree?
I will be giving away an ebook copy of Laird of Twilight to one of the commenters on this blog--so please leave a comment and let us know how much you love all things Scottish!